When Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman made the shock announcement they were separating in 2001 I nearly choked on the ham, cheese and tomato sandwich I was eating at my desk. And I actually felt flat for the rest of the day. (Stop rolling your eyes). It’s ridiculous, I know. Of course, I know. And what’s more ridiculous is that I wasn’t even a big fan of either of them (three words, people: Far and Away).
And now a couple that I do have a bit of a soft spot for look like they’re headed for splitsville.
Speculation is mounting that within the next 48 hours, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore will confirm the intense and sudden speculation: they’ve split. SUPPOSEDLY, after months of living apart (Ashton in LA filming Two and a Half Men and Demi in New York filming Magic Mike), fresh allegations of Ashton cheating last Friday night, an uncharacteristic refusal to deny the impending split rumours (they have used Twitter to do so in the past) and a string of curious, highly loaded tweets …blah blah blah, Hollywood is preparing itself for a $269 million dollar divorce between the 48-year-old actress and her 33-year-old old husband of six years.
Then there was this in the Huffington Post:
“Though they haven’t publicly commented on the report, there are some potential clues. On September 23rd, Moore tweeted a quote from Greek philosopher Epictetus, writing, “When we are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself & study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.”"
But the biggest clue came from that super sleuth Lisa Wilkinson who trawled through the couple’s twitter stream while bored and waiting to pick up one of her kids (I knew I liked that woman) and discovered that Demi hadn’t sent Ashton a ‘good luck’ tweet on the night of his Two and a Half Men debut. And nothing for their anniversary. Neither of them. And for a couple who live their lives over Twitter, dude that’s sayin’ something.
Yesterday in the office, we were discussing this. Some of us (me, Mia and Lucy) were really interested in the story. Others of us (Rick) rolled his eyes and couldn’t understand why we cared.
And when we tried to explain it to him, we discovered we kind of….. couldn’t. What business is it of ours which celebrity hooks up with or breaks up with whom? What POSSIBLE impact can it have on our lives? The answer of course is none. And yet we do care. When Brad and Jennifer broke up? We cared. When Natalie Imbruglia and Daniel Johns broke up, Mia cared so much she wrote an entire column about it. And I’ve already told you how I felt about Tom and Nicole.
And as for Charles and Diana….well…..
Other celebrity break-ups seem to have less of a pop cultural impact. When J-Lo and Marc Anthony split recently, nobody seemed to care. Ditto Courtney Cox and David Arquette.
And still, I’m not quite sure why.
You?
Hmmmmmm.
UPDATE: Ashton Kutcher has since weighed in on the rumours. He recently tweeted:
And earlier in the day, he also posted a link to the song he was playing – Public Enemy’s Don’t Believe the Hype. Hmmmm….
So while we wait for confirmation, this whole thing got me thinking. Which celebrity couple would you most hate to see split up? For me, that would have to be Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness. I LOVE THEM. LOOOOOVE THEM. How about you?
Here are some of our other fave couples, in case you need some thinking music:

Beyonce and Jay Z









Comments
118 Comments so far
It wouldn’t surprise me if Demi and Ashton had an open relationship. It does sound like he’s broke a rule or two though….
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What about Mary and Frederik? Now that would be sad.
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I know someone who knows the couple, who parties & hangs out with them. He told me Demi & Ashton have an open relationship. I have no reason to doubt this, Hollywood is one surreal, anything goes high pressure cooker kind of place so a little fling here or there is probably not such a big deal for these guys. At the end of the day, it’s their business & there’s no business like show business!
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I think I like the idea of a much younger man and older woman relationship working out!
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I would be devastated if Portia and Ellen broke up. Absolutely devastated!!
I don’t think Demi and Ashton have broken up. Don’t believe the hype… or maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic
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Looked through the photos, and to each couple thought “whatever, don’t care” until I got to Katy Perry and Russell Brand….that would be really sad!!
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Really? My husband and I have bets on them lasting no longer than 2 years!
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Funnily enough, I think they are each others right sort of weird that they just may pull this thing off for many, many years.
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Love is blind – so true. No names! but this strikes home when I look at some of the couples who’ve been together for many years.. Enduring relationships are almost entirely about good communication:)
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Loving this post – am HUGE celebrity fan & become quite ‘involved’ in the lives of some of them. No sadness about Demi & Ashton rumours but Nic & Tom – I still remember where I was when I heard the news! Kate & Wills….there would be tears no doubt, Hugh & Deborah-Lee, yes I think I would feel sad about them splitting. Felt v.sad for Jen when Brad dumped her for Angelina. I could go on and on….Bec you are not alone with feeling so much for some of them…highly amusing isn’t it but at the same time a satisfying pastime
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If Kate and William broke up I would actually be devastated. That’s bloody weird isn’t it?
My other one is Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks-they seem so solid.
You know which couple I was genuinely shocked broke up? Maria Shriver and Arnie. It just seemed to me they were such an odd couple, that they must just really work. What a tool he turned out to be.
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Does anyone else watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Kyle IS Demi. It’s unnerving.
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I’m liking how much Hugh Jackman is on tv lately. He’s so dreamy
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Oh I agree……. he was on the Today Show this morning at the Children’s hospital and my heart skipped a beat! A girl can dream……
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Gwenyth is married to Chris Martin, not Chris Martic
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But it sounds so much more exotic this way!
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We knew that it had to happen one day. Ashton Kutcher would grow up and realise that he didn’t need TWO mommies !
I just hope that Ash doesn’t do a Woody Allen and take up with one of his daughters.
I know that I’ll probably cop heaps for this, but if the relationship has broken down it will provide fodder for stand-up comedians everywhere.
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With all due respect Bradley, I think the two mommies comment is unnecessary…I mean if the tables were turned and it was Ashton who was older, I don’t think many people would bat an eye.
Personally, I would love them to stay together because they’ve dealt with controversy in the public eye and overcame that. I find theres still alot of stigma attached to an older woman marrying a younger man which I don’t think is fair to the women or anyone is in a loving relationship with a large age difference and maybe a celebrity couple will bring greater acceptance and respect of other peoples relationships. I don’t think your comment above and others like it are very helpful either.
If they do split up and are ridiculed in the media, I know I wont be laughing…and I would like to think that other people have better comedic taste.
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I would be quite upset if Ellen & Portia broke up. I was shocked when Susan Sarandon & Tim Robbins broke up & would feel the sane if Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell split. Seal & Heidi Klum would shock me if they split too… It’s funny how I judge couples, by how happy & in love I think they are. And by the longevity of their relationship, but I don’t really know anything about these people!
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Oh Seal & Heidi!!!! Yes! Another couple who make me a bit giddy. They’re gorgeous together.
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OMG, Ellen and Portia!!!!! Awwwwwwww… I would drop dead on the spot if they split up! I think we care about certain couples because of our expectations for them. Charles and Diana were the fairytale couple. Tom and Nicole seemed like the strongest couple in Hollywood at the time. Demi an Ashton were the first public and socially accepted case of an older woman-younger man relationship. These couples give us hope. And when they break up, a little bit of hope dies…
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Can I just say that Demi tweeting a photo of herself with her eyes closed saying ‘I see through you” is WEIRD. The end.
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Is it possible that we care so much because we quietly expected them to fail, even if we hope they won’t?
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Kerri Sackville, and Simon Baker ? Oh wait, you didn’t know ?………
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where is Lyeton and Bec? JOKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Scrolling through those couple pics I got a little pang at the thought of ANY of them splitting up!
I’m a big fan of staying the course.
Having said that I’d be heartbroken if Russell & Katy broke up. I’m a bit in awe of that man and what he’s overcome.
And where are Will & Jada? And Tom & Rita? And possibly the cutest couple ever: Danny & Rhea!!!!
Edited to add: I can’t believe I forgot Bono and his beautiful wife, Ali. Probably my favourite celeb couple ever. (and Jamie & Jools… I really should stop now
)
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Another vote here for Will & Jada!
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I read a few weeks ago that they were splitting up, allegedly because Jada had a thing going on with Marc Anthony! But it was in a gossipy magazine that picked up while waiting in a queue….
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The Will & Jada rumours are always buzzing at some level. Every time I hear it I cringe. I’ve seen them in interviews and they seem so level headed (despite the appearance that they’re pushing their kids into movies!)
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I love Will Smith and Jada Pinkett! Favourite celebrity couple for sure.
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I think I would be close to crying if William and Kate broke up – I just feel like that exude such love I would be incredibly sad if they couldn’t make it work.
I have to agree with Hugh Jackman and Deobrah Lee Furness – I think they are an amazing couple and one of the thing that I love about Hugh is how much he clearly adores his wife – all the more sexy to me!!
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I was so shocked when Megan Gale & Andy Lee broke up. I listened to Hamish & Andy everyday and the chemistry between Andy & Megan was so evident even across radio! I remember her saying Andy was the love of her life & I often wonder what happened to change that. Even while watching Gap Year last night & seeing Hamish’s Ultimate Wingman I felt sad that he was single. I hope he finds someone special soon.
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Me too. I really wanted them to get engaged and married and to have a baby. WHY IS THAT? (I need to get out more …)
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i was sorry when Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins split up…
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Me too, I thought they would be a couple that made it!
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B1 and B2.
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Didn’t they break up already and get replaced by two alien-like yellow animated freakazoids??
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Yeah. I hate the show now. They even introduced all these new characters to distract from what actually happened. So sad!
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Wait, what? What have I missed since my days of Bananas in Pyjamas viewing?
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It’s all CG animation now.
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I was surprised to see TomKat in your gallery of fav couples. Really?! do you think people would care if they split? I wouldnt
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I’d be sorry to see Lisa Wilkinson and Bandana Man Pete split. They’re decent, hardworking, low-key and family-focussed people. THEY’VE got to be Australia’s favourite couple… well, mine anyway!
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You know what makes less sense than caring about celebrity relationships, caring about sports. The outcome of sports has EVEN LESS impact on life. At least when you care about celebrity lives and relationships it is at least caring about a universal human experience and maybe feeling sympathy or empathy for another human being going through a tough (or exciting) time.
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I’d be gutted if Lisa Wilkinson and Bandana Man Pete split. They’re decent, low-key, hardworking and family focussed. THEY’VE got to be Australias favorite couple… well, mine anyway!
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When Demi and Ashton first got together I thought it was crazy, but it seems like over the years they’ve proven that they really do love each other. So when I heard the rumours I felt sad and wanted to cry, but I always feel sad whenever I hear about any marriage breaking up because it makes me think about what would happen if I wasn’t with my husband anymore.
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I’d be gutted if Lisa Wilkinson and Bandana Man Pete split – THEY’VE got to be Australias favorite couple… well, mine anyway!
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I would hate to see these couples break up:
-Beyonce and Jay Z
-Prince William and Kate Middleton
-Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
-Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
-Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness
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Totally agree with SJP and Matt, cutest couple ever! And Hugh and DLF too! So much love!
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I’m a big fan of mamamia, but this is pathetic and sad.
Wouldn’t New Idea accept it?
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Maybe it’s a girl thing, Brett??? Ask most guys if they’d be bothered by someone being sacked from their fave sporting team…or how they feel when a key player leaves for another club? Same thing…sort of
It is the romantic in us! Any couple you feel like you ‘know’ that splits makes you feel a little sad…friend or ‘celebrity’ friend!
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Maybe. Though personally I don’t follow sport myself. It just seems rather perverse to me to be so interested in the private, personal lives of people you’ve never met. If they weren’t ‘celebrities’ you’d be considered some kind of peeping tomb or pervert. Is there much of a difference between peering through a couple’s bedroom window and having a paparazzo do it on your behalf? When you read all the goss you’re legitimising what they do, as the photogs who chased princess Diana said in their defence.
And most of the stuff you read is made up by publicists anyway, in a desperate attempt to get their clients some space in the media. Demi Moore has been on the front of gossip mags for decades, but has it EVER been for her work? I remember listening to Russell Brand’s radio show, where he would often mention stories from the newspapers about who he was seeing and where they were seen, and what ‘insider’ told the story. He was usually in a different city at the time, often in a different country altogether, and often had never even met the woman in question.
The saddest thing is that almost every other type of magazine has either closed down in the last decade, or is in great danger of closing down, except gossip mags; they are on the rise. No-one seems to know a thing about world events, politics, arts or science, but millions can tell you what some actress who made a few bad movies in the 80s tweeted to her partner last night.
Like I said, it’s just sad. (sorry, I don’t mean to offend anyone)
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Well said Brett.
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Not really. My friends and I have all been talking about Demi and Ashton the last couple of days… perhaps it is a girl thing. We talk about this stuff frequently.
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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill…adore their country loving, cowboy hat wearing, Nashville sort of vibe.
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I saw them on Oprah once – they were cooking at home in their kitchen and Tim said something a bit off … it was VERY tame (like ‘hell’ or something) and Faith was mortified. She was visibly ruffled. He went all sheepish and coy when she admonished him. And despite that sounding very negative, that little display endeared them to me! I loved that they must be precisely what-you-see-is-what-you-get!
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Oh, and Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. I know a lot of people don’t like her because they’ve only really known her since Tom left Nicole for her, but I’ve loved her since they starred together in the Spanish film Jamón, jamón in 1992. I think it’s adorable that they started dating so many years later and married last year (and had a baby this year).
I highly recommend the film – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104545/
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Naomi Watts and Leiv Schreiber were who immediately came to mind when I read your Facebook question (good to see them included in the photo gallery).
Beyonce and Jay Z would have to rate for me too – after all, when I heard they were expecting I went “awwww” and smiled for them (not a typical reaction to celebrity pregnancies for me), but my second thought was “shame Jay Z is the father, and not someone better looking.”
Nasty, I know.
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Not better looking than Jay-Z? I think he’s gorgeous! Each to their own I guess
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Mostly I could care less about who is with who. I was strangely a little sad when Megan Gale and Andy Lee broke up. They seemed so nice together. But other than that – whatevs really!
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I am a cynic about most of those couples unfotunately as it seems I am a sucker for believing the rumours about most of them (blindgossip.com is pretty entertaining to read *hangs my head with shame*). I know, I am sure they aren’t true!
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i love blind gossip!!! Guessing is so much fun.
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Dlisted is even better
a bit crude but very funny
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I really don’t care about such things… when Diana and Charles broke up, I was like “what? they were married?” (well okay that’s not true but I couldn’t give a toss…) but… I really hope Angelina and Brad get old together.
… awful self-admission but I do believe I will be upset if they ever break up. For their children too.
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I’m looking forward to seeing what their biological children look like as adults too; such an amazing mix of genes – could it go wrong?
I watched Midnight Cowboy with Jon Voight recently because looking at him now it’s hard to see where Angelina gets her looks from – but he was a gorgeous young man. With very full lips!
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Sorry to be negative but $100 says that more than half those couples break up. Im not even sure why I think that…
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My most favourite celebrity couple (ie. the one and only one I paid the slightest attention to) was Jack White and Karen Elson, and look what happened to them
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I would HATE to see Giuliana and Bill split up, I watch their show religiously and obviously I know it’s edited and they can’t always be so lovey dovey but I feel like they are really genuine and in love and I’m hoping they will be able to have a baby soon!
Don’t really care about Ashton and Demi
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I agree, Naz. I love Giuliana and Bill too. They are such a cute couple.
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I love the Giuliana and Bill.. Am I the only one who thinks Bill Rancic is gorgeous!! He is really hansome, super smart, interesting and really funny..total package. This is one perfect gentleman..oh I mean couple!! The world would be a better place with more ‘Bills’…and that is the End of my rant
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Agreed!
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Who?
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Who are Giuliana and Bill?
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Brad & Jen still feels like yesterday to me. I love Jen & when I see pictures of Brad and Ange together it still looks strange to me. All these years later. I don’t like to see any couple who were in love split. Regardless of if they are famous or not. It still hurts the same.
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Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness… I’d be really sad if they split up.
When favourite celebs split up, I think it makes us sad because we want to believe that their fairytale relationship is as real on the inside as it looks from the outside.
Sometimes, however, I think it can be a good thing to see celeb couples split up – because it reminds us that just because you’re beautiful, famous and rich doesn’t mean your life is perfect or that you can’t experience heartbreak.
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Goldie and Kurt…I really want them to last the distance, I am sure they will.
Wills and Kate…though they aren’t really celebrities. I doubt they’ll break up, they have been together for SO long they had plenty of opportunities to end it before they got married!
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner YES YES YES. They make me think of such an ordinary couple who just approach their movie making careers as “just a job to pay the bills, family comes first”.
Someone mentioned Jamie and Jools Oliver – also agree. I deffo wouldn’t split from someone who makes me such delicious food all the time!!
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Oh Jamie & Jools!!!! Yes, I’d be very sad if they split.
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This is going to sound all very mean but here goes. I am not a fan of Demi, not even a little bit. I don’t even have a really valid reason. Strangely I have a few people in the public eye I feel this way about (Jennifer Lopez is another one).
Demi lately has just wreaked of desperation to me. She looks as though she is obsessed about her appearance to the point that she looks incredibly uptight and a little pathetic (harsh I know). She annoys me when she denys having had plastic surgery. Come on, you look like an entirely different person to 10 years ago.
My absolute pet hate is her twitter obsession. Why share strange personal musings when you know that the rest of the world is going to take that snippet and run with it? I can’t believe you would do this unless you were courting attention.
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Normally I really couldn’t care less if celebrity couple this or that split up, but when it comes to couples that stay try to stay out of the limelight – like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin or Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner seem to be doing then I think it’s a bit sad.
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Agree with Gwyn and Chris + plus they have beautiful children
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I always love how we get a bit excited when a hot famous fella is suddenly single, ‘Oooh, George Clooney’s broken up with whatshername!’ As if it’s only a matter of time before I bump into him (at Coles?) and he asks me to Italy for the weekend.
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Oooh I too must admit to that guilty pleasure of giving a stuff about celebrity unions. I evne boycotted Tom Cruise and penenlope Duckface movies for a while, Which is hindsight was a wise move anyway….
Brad and Jen ‘s split floored me. Hugh and Liz floored me. But I love love loved Michael and Paula. Like a modern day Romeo and Juliet.
I too would hate to see Hugh and Deb split. And as appallingly gauche as they are – I think Posh and Becks are perfect for each other!
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Ok, who are Michael and Paula? It’s driving me nuts that I can’t work out who you are talking about.
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That’s probably Michael Hutchence (INXS) and Paula Yates. She was married to Bob Geldof before she was with Michael and was the mother of Bob’s girls. That’s why he adopted Tiger Lily when she died. Tragic love story.
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Bono and Ali. I always thought that one day I would be Mrs Hewson, but she’s had him so long now she may as well keep him. Humph.
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John Hewson didn’t appeal?
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I can’t believe B&A didn’t spring to mind immediately!!!!! What an amazing team they are.
And now that I think about it, Jon Bon Jovi also married his high school sweetheart and they’re still happily married. *sigh*
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